22 Rugby Clubs Benefit from Share of £300,000 via Scottish Gas

Twenty-two rugby clubs across Scotland have been named as the inaugural recipients of a five-year sustainability initiative launched by Scottish Gas. The programme will provide targeted funding to modernise heating and electrical systems, making clubhouses, changing rooms, gyms, and communal spaces more energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate.

The initiative follows a comprehensive survey conducted by Scottish Gas, which identified key operational areas where community clubs could reduce overheads and improve energy usage. Tailored action plans were developed in collaboration with each club, with funding directed towards addressing specific challenges uncovered in the survey.

Rudi Urbach, Scottish Rugby’s Area Director for Caledonia, said the clubs would “benefit significantly” from the initiative, calling the engagement with Scottish Gas both “meaningful and rewarding.” He noted the programme also contributes to broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, positioning rugby clubs as leaders in grassroots sustainability.

Preliminary data suggests that clubs could unlock significant savings by adopting behavioural changes and implementing energy upgrades recommended through the programme.

Nic Welsh, Business Development Manager at Strathmore RFC, welcomed the funding, emphasising the importance of providing safe and modern facilities. “Upgrading to sustainable heating and reducing our energy costs will ease financial pressure, allowing us to focus on inclusivity and personal development through sport,” he said.

Karim Awadia, Regional Manager for Net Zero Community Engagement at Scottish Gas, added: “Many sports facilities in Scotland were built decades ago and now require retrofitting to meet modern sustainability standards.”

For more information on the Scottish Gas Net Zero Fund and how it supports local clubs, visit the Scottish Gas website.

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